Level 1 Award in British Sign Language

Ref: C3530744

British Sign Language (BSL) was recognised by the government as a language in its own right in March 2003. BSL is the first or preferred language of an estimated 70,000 Deaf people in the UK. BSL is a visual-gestural language, with its own grammar and principles, which are completely different from the grammatical structure of English.
This course without the qualification is designed to teach learners to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL) on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use. You will gain basic skills and confidence in production and reception of BSL.

Course aim

This course is designed to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language. You'll develop skills and confidence in production and reception of BSL.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

No skills or experience needed

This course is for beginners

By the end of the course I should be able to:

Learn the British Alphabet. The relevance of nouns and mouthing.

Learn Deaf Awareness and importance of British Alphabet and British Sign Language to the Deaf Community.

Introduction to BSL looking at handshapes and vocabulary around welcome, weather and travel.

Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life looking at vocabulary around work and practising conversations.

How will I be taught?

The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning

There will be lots of pair work and group work to encourage receptive and production signing work. Additional practise during lessons will be encouraged.

What kind of feedback can I expect?

You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor

You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning

You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions

Each week handouts will be provided. You may want to keep all handouts in a file. We will be following a specific topic each week.

What else do I need to know?

Nothing else is needed

All materials will be provided

This course is for beginners and will be following the format of the Level One Signature curriculum without the accreditation. It will not be possible to change to an accredited course once the course has commenced.

As a registered charity, and to meet our funders’ requirements, we need to check a few things with you before you book. Please could we ask that you check the list below to ensure you meet our basic criteria:

You are paying the standard fee (with a credit or debit card) or you are on any of the qualifying benefits

You have a valid email address so that you can receive confirmation of your booking